Wisconsin Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Game Units, Equipment Laws & Tags
Wisconsin offers some of the most diverse outdoor sporting opportunities in the Midwest, with abundant wildlife populations across varied landscapes. Whether you’re planning your first expedition or you’re a seasoned woodsman returning to your favorite spots, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for the 2025 Wisconsin field sports calendar. We’ve compiled the official dates, license requirements, and zone information to help you prepare for a successful year of outdoor adventures in the Badger State.
At a Glance: Key Wisconsin Game Seasons for 2025
Below is a quick reference chart of major game species and their general timeframes:
| Species | Opens | Closes | Primary Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer (Archery) | Sept. 13, 2025 | Jan. 4, 2026 | Bow, Crossbow |
| Whitetail Deer (Gun) | Nov. 22, 2025 | Nov. 30, 2025 | Firearms |
| Turkey (Spring) | April 16, 2025 | May 27, 2025 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Turkey (Fall) | Sept. 13, 2025 | Jan. 4, 2026 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Black Bear | Sept. 3, 2025 | Oct. 14, 2025 | Various (Zone-specific) |
| Waterfowl | Various | Various | Shotgun |
| Small Game | Sept. 13, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Various |
Big Game Opportunities 🦌
Whitetail Deer
Wisconsin remains one of the premier destinations for whitetail enthusiasts across the country. The 2025 calendar provides multiple opportunities with different equipment types:
Archery & Crossbow Season:
- Opens: September 13, 2025
- Closes: January 4, 2026
- Metro Sub-units extended to January 31, 2026
Gun Seasons:
- Regular Gun: November 22 – November 30, 2025
- Muzzleloader: December 1 – December 10, 2025
- Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt: December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (select Farmland Zone counties)
- Antlerless-only Four-Day Gun: October 16-19, 2025
Youth Gun Hunt:
- October 11-12, 2025 (statewide)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) divides the state into distinct management zones, with the Northern Forest, Central Forest, Central Farmland, and Southern Farmland offering different harvest opportunities and tag allocations. First-time participants should note that antlerless permits vary by management zone, and some areas have specific regulations regarding buck harvest.
Black Bear 🐻
Bear pursuit spans multiple periods with zone-specific quotas:
- Zones with Dogs: September 3 – September 9, 2025
- All Methods: September 10 – October 14, 2025
Bear tags are distributed through a weighted preference system, so new applicants should understand it may take several years to receive a harvest authorization for preferred zones.
Turkey Season 🦃
Wisconsin divides wild turkey management into seven zones plus state parks. The structured approach ensures sustainable populations while maximizing field opportunities.
Spring Season (2025):
- Youth Hunt: April 12-13, 2025
- Period A: April 16-22, 2025
- Period B: April 23-29, 2025
- Period C: April 30 – May 6, 2025
- Period D: May 7-13, 2025
- Period E: May 14-20, 2025
- Period F: May 21-27, 2025
Fall Season (2025):
- General Season: September 13 – January 4, 2026
- Extended Fall Season: January 5-31, 2026 (Zones 1-5 only)
Turkey permits require zone-specific applications, and success rates vary considerably by region. First-time participants might consider zones 1, 2, or 3, which typically have higher bird densities.
Furbearer Opportunities 🦊
Trapping and pursuit seasons for furbearers offer extended recreation during fall and winter months:
| Species | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon (Resident) | October 18, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| Raccoon (Non-resident) | November 1, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| Fox (Red & Gray) | October 18, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| Coyote | Year-round | No closed season |
| Bobcat (Period 1) | October 18 – December 25, 2025 | Zone-specific quotas |
| Bobcat (Period 2) | December 26, 2025 – January 31, 2026 | Zone-specific quotas |
| Fisher | October 18 – January 11, 2026 | Zone-specific quotas |
| Otter | November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026 | Zone-specific quotas |
Trappers should note that special permits are required for fisher, bobcat, and otter, with applications typically due by August 1st each year.
Small Game Calendar 🐇
Small game pursuits represent the foundation of field sports for many Wisconsin enthusiasts:
| Species | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse (Zone A) | September 13, 2025 | January 31, 2026 | 5 |
| Ruffed Grouse (Zone B) | October 18, 2025 | December 8, 2025 | 2 |
| Pheasant | October 18 (8 a.m.) – December 31, 2025 | 1 (hen); 2 (rooster) | |
| Cottontail Rabbit | September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026 | 3 | |
| Squirrel (Gray & Fox) | September 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026 | 5 combined | |
| Hungarian Partridge | October 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025 | 3 | |
| Crow | January 15 – March 20, 2025 and September 13 – November 20, 2025 | 15 |
Youth participants can take advantage of the Learn to Hunt programs that sometimes occur outside regular seasons, providing excellent mentorship opportunities.
Waterfowl Excursions 🦆
Wisconsin’s position along major migratory routes makes it a premier destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. The 2025 season features:
Early Seasons:
- Early Teal: September 1-9, 2025
- Early Canada Goose: September 1-15, 2025
- Youth Waterfowl Weekend: September 20-21, 2025
Regular Duck Seasons:
- Northern Zone: September 27 – November 25, 2025
- Southern Zone: October 4 – October 12 and October 18 – December 7, 2025
- Mississippi River Zone: September 27 – October 5 and October 18 – December 7, 2025
Regular Goose Seasons:
- North & South Zones: Various segments from September through December
- Mississippi River Zone: September 27 – October 5 and October 18 – December 29, 2025
Waterfowl participants must have both a state waterfowl stamp and federal duck stamp in addition to their small game license.
Additional Field Opportunities
Wisconsin offers specialized seasons for several other species:
- Bobwhite Quail: October 18 – December 10, 2025
- Snipe: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Woodcock: September 20 – November 3, 2025
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Rails: September 1 – November 9, 2025
Wisconsin Hunting Zone Map 🗺️
The Wisconsin DNR provides detailed maps of management zones for all game species. These maps are essential for planning your expedition and understanding boundary restrictions. You can access current zone maps on the Wisconsin DNR website or at license vendors statewide.
License Requirements & Fees 🎟️
Wisconsin offers several license options to match your specific interests:
- Resident Hunting License: $24
- Junior Hunting License (ages 12-17): $9
- Non-resident Hunting License: $160
- Non-resident 5-day Small Game: $55
- Conservation Patron License (includes most privileges): $165 resident/$600 non-resident
Additional harvest authorizations may be required for specific species, including deer antlerless tags ($12 resident/$20 non-resident), turkey permits, and special permits for fisher, bobcat, and otter.
First-time license buyers born after January 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license, though supervised hunting programs offer alternatives for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Wisconsin?
A: Yes, Wisconsin offers approximately 7 million acres of public access land through state forests, wildlife areas, county forests, and Managed Forest Law program. The DNR provides maps of these areas online.
Q: Are there night hunting opportunities?
A: Yes, raccoon, fox, and coyote can be pursued after hours during their respective seasons, though specific regulations apply regarding lighting equipment and hunting near dwellings.
Q: How do I apply for a preference point for species with limited tags?
A: Applications for bear and other preference-based systems typically open in March, with a deadline of August 1st. You can apply through the DNR’s GoWild system.
Q: What happens if I don’t use my turkey tag during my assigned period?
A: Spring turkey tags are period-specific and expire when that period ends. Fall tags are valid throughout the entire fall season regardless of when purchased.
Related Resources 🔗
Looking for more information? Check out these helpful pages:
- Michigan Hunting Seasons
- Minnesota Hunting Seasons
- Iowa Hunting Seasons
Get Ready for Your Wisconsin Adventure
Wisconsin’s diverse landscape offers exceptional field experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels. From the northern forests teeming with grouse to the agricultural central regions perfect for whitetail, the Badger State truly has something for everyone. Remember to thoroughly review specific zone regulations before heading out, as management strategies can vary significantly across regions.
Always verify current regulations with the official Wisconsin DNR resources, as emergency rules or legislative changes can occasionally modify published dates. Invest time in scouting your preferred areas, secure necessary permissions for private land access, and prepare your equipment well before opening day.
We wish you a safe, ethical, and memorable experience in Wisconsin’s magnificent outdoors this season!
